AN interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) should be instilled in young children.
A talk and sharing of ideas session of “Getting girls into STEM,” organised by Penang Science Cluster was held on August 15.
It was attended by 80 girls from St George’s Girls Secondary School, SM Convent Dato Keramat and a few women guests from the United States.
The American women are well known in their respective careers with a strong STEM background.
“There is an urgent need to increase the number of Science students in the country as STEM is fundamental to a nation which has an economy based on knowledge and innovation” said Bianca Lie derer who is one the guests for the event.
“People working in STEM are changing the face of the world we live in every day, whether it is by developing embedded solutions, designing functional prototypes, researching new cures for cancer or creating new technologies that keep us healthier, safer or creating computer codes.
“The foundation for STEM education begins in early childhood. From the earliest years through their play experiences and family environment, children engage with the world in ways that can promote learning related to STEM.”
Also present were Vice President and General Manager of Keysight Technologies Datuk Noorashidah, Techwoman mentor Erin Keeley, Senior scientist of Genentech Bianca Lie derer, Vice President of Stanford Angles and Entreprenuers Rekha Pai, Supply chain operation sourcing manager of Facebook Sandra Chen, Principal geologist of St Northgate environmental management, Maile Smith and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) student Anika Kamath.
In sharing their views, the American guests said by having deep interest in STEM studies, women would be challenged to carry out research and assignments, including producing solutions that could support and create a smart community environment.
They emphasised the importance of being active in STEM studies that could be life changing as well as empowering them to grow in their career and personal life.
They also shared aspects of the challenges they faced in the working environment and their passion for STEM as the driving force to overcome them.
Story by K.Thaarshenii
Pix by Noor Nabilah Noorazis